It was mid-July 2020 when Ford announced the revitalization of the beloved Bronco. Since then, over half a million Broncos have been released into the wild, and consumer enthusiasm is fueling a growing schedule of annual events. This past July, Expedition Portal attended the 3rd annual Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede to visit with the Hankook Dynapro Tire team and experience Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, behind the wheel of a Ford Bronco.
Presented by Hankook Dynapro Tire
If you haven’t been to Pigeon Forge, it’s worth a visit and a great destination for a family trip. It’s home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, and there seems to be a mountain coaster ride every few miles while driving around town. A big Ferris wheel takes center stage in town, and there are themed attractions up and down the main drag. Put-put golf, wax museums, arcades, a Titanic-themed restaurant, a recreation of Mount Rushmore, and more. It’s worth switching off drivers and taking a few laps on the main street so everyone gets to take it all in.
The Bronco Stampede event is held at the LeConte Center alongside the West Prong Little Pigeon River in the center of Pigeon Forge. A large outdoor show and shine display of Broncos of every era welcomed attendees. Enthusiast and vendors brought their Brocos to show off their hard work and innovation in customizing their favorite trucks.
Families gathered for the indoor and outdoor showcases to browse Bronco parts and meet vendors. Evenings were filled with Bronco enthusiast gatherings at one of the mountain coasters and the Hard Rock cafe. Broncos crowded onto the main street to parade back and forth while spectators took in the display.
Later in the weekend, after the main show ended, Bronco owners gathered to explore the mountains and historical areas around Pigeon Forge. Stay tuned to Expedition Portal for our next episode that will take us through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, just down the road from the Bronco Stampede.
Read more: The Hankook Dynapro Tire Lineup for Overlanding
Images: Brian McVickers
